[with a z] ...

as august rolls around with the promise of cool breezes and the excitement of the approaching autumn, my thoughts turn instinctively to christmas or i might more properly call it, the upcoming gift exchange season. my family celebrates the traditional amercian holiday and each year we try to do something different.this year we are having a “green christmas”. we all talked about it; my husband, my 23 and 12 year old daughters, and my 5 year old son. also included is my best friend and her daughter, who is also a great friend. i was actually shocked that everyone liked the idea, but i am thrilled. i think it will put more meaning into the celebration for us as well as helping to recycle, reuse and renew; thus doing a bit to save the environment (and perhaps put a tiny dent in this consumerism run a muck) while being prudent with our funds during this global recession. what we are going to do is to give each person something that we ourselves have owned and enjoyed, bought at a vintage or recycling center, is organic and fair trade certified, or made with our own hands. it might sound horrid to some but we love the idea and the thought that is going to have to go into it. of course, santa will be bringing the young ones bright and shiny new toys but within our immediate family, the wheels are already turning as to what gift we can choose for each person. personally, i have never given gift selection as much thought as i have this year and i try to be thoughtful each year. we haven’t ran it past my oldest son and daughter-in-law and have no idea what they would think so for now, it’s just the ones of us in country. all of those living abroad or in our extended family will get new shiny things unless they choose to opt in as well. funny thing is, of all the things i’ve selected or purchased so far, i am more pleased than i have ever been with the gift and i think the receiver will be too. i am actually finding myself being able to give better quality gifts this way if that makes any sense. and guess what? i’m almost finished except for five people, three of which will recieve a new gift unless they opt to join in. we’re all so excited this year… even my 5 year old and i thought he’d never go for it. wow, kids are amazing. and the best part… it’s more personal, requires more thought and is helping the earth and eachother’s budgets at the same time. maybe i’ll just decorate in green this year or perhaps we’ll do a vintage tree. whatever we do, i have a feeling this christmas is going to be one of the best ever. ❤